{"id":526,"date":"2026-10-21T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.clarendonhillsdental.com\/blog\/home-remedies-for-severe-toothaches\/"},"modified":"2026-10-21T07:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T07:00:00","slug":"home-remedies-for-severe-toothaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.clarendonhillsdental.com\/blog\/home-remedies-for-severe-toothaches\/","title":{"rendered":"Why the Solution to Your Toothache Might Be Hiding in Plain Sight"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Man<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Whether a once tolerable toothache has suddenly upgraded to severe status or you\u2019ve suffered an accidental blow to the mouth, you can\u2019t always get to the dentist<\/a> as soon as you\u2019d like. If you\u2019ve already called your provider and are now at home toughing it out until your appointment time, there could be some remedies already available that you didn\u2019t realize. Learn about a few of them below!<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Apply a Cold Compress<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a safe bet that you\u2019ve got ice in your home, so put it to good use! If you\u2019ve got an ice pack, great; if not, fill a zip-tie bag with ice cubes. Whichever you come up with, wrap a towel around it and gently press it against the side of your face that\u2019s home to the affected tooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The extreme cold can both numb the pain and reduce facial swelling. Plus, the shock of the ice can help distract you from the discomfort of your toothache.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Search Your Medicine Cabinet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Another likely source of pain relief you\u2019ve got on hand is over-the-counter medication. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin \u2013 any of these can provide a temporary respite to the agony of a bad toothache.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, you must be careful with what you take. Never exceed the recommended dosage no matter how sharp your pain is, and only use pain relievers that your doctor says are specifically safe for you. Also, do not place aspirin directly against your gums or the tooth that hurts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warm Saltwater<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Got salt in your house? Running water? OK, then you\u2019ve got an age-old recipe for temporarily treating tooth pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fill a glass with warm water, mix in a half teaspoon of salt, and treat it like mouthwash \u2013 swish it around your mouth for a while, being careful not to swallow it. This solution can soothe irritated issues, lessen painful inflammation, and loosen food particles that could be contributing to your toothache.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gently Clean Around the Tooth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, food trapped between teeth can contribute to discomfort. Carefully floss around the affected tooth to remove debris, taking care not to snap the floss against your gums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Continue brushing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush to keep the area clean. Avoid poking the tooth with sharp objects, which can injure your gums or worsen the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Should You Call an Emergency Dentist?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Probably right away, if you haven\u2019t already. Home remedies provide temporary relief, not a cure. Severe or persistent tooth pain may indicate deep decay, a cracked tooth, nerve damage, or a dental abscess. Contact an emergency dentist promptly, particularly if your pain interferes with sleeping or daily activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Home remedies are helpful, but prompt, professional attention can relieve discomfort, address the underlying problem, and help protect your long-term oral health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Author<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Jason Hong<\/a>\u2019s resume includes a dental degree from the New York University College of Dentistry, more than 300 hours of completed continuing education, fellowship status at the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, a Master\u2019s Certification in progressive orthodontics, and certification as an Invisalign provider. If you\u2019re in Clarendon Hills and have suffered a dental emergency, Dr. Hong and his team are available early mornings and evenings to help you. Call (630) 789-1555<\/a> for immediate assistance or contact us via our website<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Whether a once tolerable toothache has suddenly upgraded to severe status or you\u2019ve suffered an accidental blow to the mouth, you can\u2019t always get to the dentist as soon as you\u2019d like. If you\u2019ve already called your provider and are now at home toughing it out until your appointment time, there could be some remedies […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-526","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nWhat to do if I have a toothache? | Clarendon Hills Dental<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What if you can\u2019t get to the dentist right away for a severe toothache? 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